“When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward. For there you have been, and there you will always long to return”
Leonardo da Vinci
Many of us in the Aviation industry have, since childhood, loved seeing flying aircraft. However, only a few took the next steps to dig in and learn the Science/Technology/Education/Math (STEM) behind these man-made flying vehicles.
Aeronautical and aerospace engineering are among the fields of STEM that design and develop aircraft and spacecraft.
STEM education provides hands-on experience, problem-solving abilities, industry-ready skill sets, critical and analytical thinking, and creative educators. With so many opportunities booming in our Aviation sector, we need to encourage students with a great interest and love for the aviation field, to turn it into a career.
There are several organizations across the country that provide STEM opportunities to future young aviators. There are three highlighted below:
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
The AOPA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the world’s largest aviation community, AOPA, has created an aviation STEM curriculum for high schools across the U.S. The AOPA Foundation High School Aviation STEM Curriculum is the first of its kind, offering students comprehensive four-year aviation study options aligned to Common Core State Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, and FAA Airman Certification Standards (ACS).
Thanks to generous donations to the AOPA Foundation, all courses are offered to high schools at no charge. Schools may now apply to use any, or all, of the courses in the upcoming school year.
https://youcanfly.aopa.org/high-school/high-school-curriculum
Federal Aviation Administration
FAA’s STEM Aviation and Space Education (AVSED) program offers lots of ways for students from Elementary through High School to explore this exciting world through STEM-based activities.
https://www.faa.gov/education/students
STEM Flights
This is a national nonprofit organization that connects Middle and High School students with volunteer Pilot Mentors to learn about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). This group looks to inspire America’s youth to pursue STEM and aviation careers with a unique flight experience.
